Program Overview
The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at CedarCrest College prepares students for the Accredited Dietitian Nutritionist (ADN) credential and for successful completion of the Dietetic Internship (DI) required for registration as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Built on a liberalarts foundation, the DPD blends rigorous scientific coursework with handson community engagement, fostering critical thinking, cultural competence, and a commitment to evidencebased practice.
Students benefit from a supportive, smallclass environment where faculty know each learner by name. The program aligns with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics accreditation standards, ensuring that graduates meet national competencies in nutrition assessment, intervention, and evaluation.
Curriculum Highlights
The DPD spans four academic years, integrating core nutrition science with electives that allow personalization. Key components include:
- Foundations of Nutrition Science Biochemistry, anatomy & physiology, and food science.
- Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Indepth study of nutrition management for chronic disease, pediatrics, and gerontology.
- Community Nutrition Planning and evaluating nutrition programs for diverse populations.
- Foodservice Management Principles of menu development, budgeting, and safety.
- Research Methods & Statistics Skills for evaluating scientific literature and conducting independent projects.
- Professional Leadership & Ethics Communication, policy advocacy, and ethical decisionmaking.
Each semester includes a practicum component where students apply classroom learning in realworld settings such as hospitals, schools, and community agencies. A capstone project in the senior year showcases the students ability to integrate theory, research, and practice.
Faculty Excellence
CedarCrests DPD faculty are practicing dietitians, researchers, and seasoned educators. They bring current industry trends into the classroom and serve as mentors for internship applications. Highlights include:
- Dr. Maria Alvarez Clinical nutrition specialist with 15years of hospital experience.
- Prof. James Patel Expert in foodservice systems and sustainability.
- Dr. Evelyn Brooks Nutrition epidemiologist actively publishing in peerreviewed journals.
- Ms. Tara Nguyen Community nutrition coordinator with strong ties to local publichealth agencies.
Faculty maintain active licenses with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and regularly participate in continuing education, ensuring that teaching reflects the latest evidence.
Admissions Requirements
Prospective students must meet the following criteria:
- High school diploma or equivalent with a competitive GPA (minimum 3.0).
- Completed prerequisite coursework: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English (or equivalent).
- Successful submission of the DIETFIRST preapplication questionnaire.
- Personal statement outlining career goals and commitment to the dietetics profession.
- Two letters of recommendationpreferably one from a science teacher and one from a healthcare professional.
Application deadlines:
- Early Decision: January15
- Regular Decision: May1
Financial aid options include merit scholarships, needbased grants, and workstudy positions within the colleges nutrition labs.
Career Outlook & Opportunities
Graduates of the DPD are well positioned for a variety of roles, including:
- Clinical dietitian in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or longterm care facilities.
- Community nutrition specialist for publichealth departments, NGOs, or schools.
- Foodservice manager in corporate dining, hospitality, or correctional facilities.
- Research associate or graduate student in nutrition science.
- Healthcare consultant or corporate wellness coordinator.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow 11percent from 2022 to 2032faster than the average for all occupations. The combination of a strong liberalarts education and rigorous dietetics training gives CedarCrest alumni a competitive edge in the job market.
